Identifies the design (i.e., exploratory, phenomenological, quasi-experimental, correlation, etc.) NOTE Do not mention the method (qualitative/quantitative/design science) in the abstract.

Insert your dissertation title

A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree of

Doctor of Computer Science

By

Insert Your Name Here

University of the Cumberlands

Month Year

Committee

[Research Supervisor name], [Degree], Chair

[Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member

[Committee Name], [Degree], Committee Member

_________________________________

Date Approved

© Insert Your Name Here, Insert the Year of Your Projected Final Presentation Here

Abstract

Insert your Abstract here in a single, double spaced paragraph using the following:

1. Includes a statement highlighting the problem under study.

2. Identifies the design (i.e., exploratory, phenomenological, quasi-experimental, correlation, etc.) NOTE: Do not mention the method (qualitative/quantitative/design science) in the abstract.

3. Identifies the study’s population and geographical location.

4. Identifies theoretical framework (quantitative) or conceptual framework (qualitative) that grounded the study; theory/conceptual framework names are lower case.

5. Describes the data collection process (e.g., interviews, surveys, etc.).

6. Describes the data analysis process (e.g., modified van Kaam method) to identify themes in qualitative studies; (e.g., t test, ANOVA, or multiple regression) to report statistical data in a quantitative study. Do not present the names of software such as SPSS.

7. Identifies the themes that emerged from the study (qualitative) or presents the statistical results from the study (quantitative).

8. Ensures the first line in the abstract is not indented.

9. Ensures Abstract does not exceed one page.

10. Uses plural verbs with data (e.g., the data were – the word data is the plural of datum).

Keywords: …

Dedication

Add a Dedication, if desired.

Acknowledgements

Add Acknowledgements.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements iv Table of Contents v List of Tables ix List of Figures x Chapter One 1 Topic Overview/Background 1 Problem Statement 2 Purpose Statement 2 Research Question 3 Hypotheses/Propositions 3 Theoretical Perspectives/Conceptual Framework 4 Assumptions/Biases 5 Significance of the Study 5 Delimitations 6 Limitations 6 Definition of Terms 6 General Overview of the Research Design 7 Summary of Chapter One 7 Organization of Dissertation (or Proposal) 7 Chapter Two 8 Topic 1 Discussion 10 Topic 1 Sub-Discussion 1 10 Topic 1 Sub-Discussion 2 10 Topic 1 Sub-Discussion 3 10 Topic 2 Discussion 10 Topic 2 Sub-Discussion 1 11 Topic 2 Sub-Discussion 2 11 Topic 2 Sub-Discussion 3 11 Topic 3 Discussion 11 Topic 3 Sub-Discussion 1 11 Topic 3 Sub-Discussion 2 11 Topic 3 Sub-Discussion 3 11 Conceptual Framework 11 Summary of Literature Review 12 Chapter Three 13 Research Tradition 13 Research Question 13 Hypotheses (Quantitative Study Only) 13 Research Design 13 Population and Sample 14 Sampling Procedure 14 Instrumentation 15 Validity 16 Reliability 17 Data Collection 18 Data Analysis 21 Ethical Considerations 22 Summary of Chapter Three 22 Chapter Four 24 Participant Demographics (if appropriate) 24 Presentation of the Data 24 Presentation and Discussion of Findings 25 Summary of Chapter Four 26 Chapter Five 27 Findings and Conclusions 27 Limitations of the Study 27 Implications for Practice 28 Implications of Study and Recommendations for Future Research 28 Conclusion 28 References 30 Appendix A 31 Appendix B 33 Appendix C 34

List of Tables

Table 1 Table Name Here #

Table 2 Table Name Here #

Table 3 Table Name Here #

Table 4 Table Name Here #

Table 5 Table Name Here #

List of Figures

Figure 1. Figure caption here #

Figure 2. Figure caption here #

x

Chapter One

Provide a concise introduction that introduces the topic and briefly establishes the main ideas and context. Details of the topic will be presented in the next section, Topic Overview/Background. Following is an organization suggestion:

Paragraph 1 – Start with sentence introducing the research topic (with a citation). Present issues/concerns indicating research that is needed.

Paragraph 2 – Offer a general sentence on the goal of the study. In addition, offer a benefit to individuals in your degree and concentration.

Paragraph 3 – Then, in the next paragraph, present the background of these issues/concerns.

Paragraph 4 – Finally, include an overview paragraph that tells the reader what the chapter is about.

Topic Overview/Background

The reader should have a sense of what is going on and why research is needed. Provide context (who, what, when, and where) so the reader will be able to follow the study plan. Citations should be utilized to support the content.

Ensure the areas below are addressed with citations:

Paragraph 1 – Why is topic of current interest (what is going on now to make this important)?

Paragraph 2 – Lays the groundwork for what has been done in the research area.

Paragraph 3 – Why is the research area of importance to practical concerns?

All should be discussed as a practical issue for stakeholders, such as managers, business administrators, or computer science specialists in your concentration.

Problem Statement

Start the section with a succinct statement on the problem as follows: The problem to be addressed in the proposed study is …

Elements of a Problem Statement include (a) a cited statement of the problem (must use a scholarly source), (b) anchor the problem using a number or statistic to illustrate its significance for doctoral research, (c) identify the gap in the literature regarding the problem, and (d) indicate how the proposed study might fill the gap.

This Problem Statement will ensure the aligning expectations are addressed:

· The general issue/observation/problem in practice leads to the need for a study.

· Citations are 5 years old or less from journal literature or Government databases.

· Problem identified is a practical problem versus a theoretical problem.

· Problem is directly connected to degree type and concentration.

Purpose Statement

Start the section with a succinct statement on the purpose as follows: The purpose of the proposed

study is to

…

After stating the succinct statement of the purpose, which is aligned to the problem, the following content should be considered for inclusion in the purpose statement:

· Aligns with the problem statement.

· Uses concise statements describing the intent of the study.

· Indicates the reason for the study.

· Research method is identified.

· Research design is identified.

· Qualitative studies identify the phenomenon/concepts.

· Quantitative studies identify the variables/constructs.

· Identifies specific population.

· Identifies the number of participants.

· Identifies the geographic location of the study.

Research Question

Research Question is aligned with problem and purpose (i.e., research question is the problem stated as a question).

Research question is not answerable with a “Yes” or “No” response.

Research question guides the researcher’s thinking to ensure the proper data are collected, which answers the problem in the problem statement or fills the noted gap.

Uses the Research Question Template Builder for qualitative research question.

Uses the following format for quantitative research question – To what extent, if any, does (independent variable) relate to (dependent variable) for (participants) at (the research site)?

Hypotheses/Propositions

The determination of using hypotheses or propositions is dependent on the methodology. Quantitative research questions use Hypotheses. Qualitative research questions use Propositions. Other methods use Propositions. The heading is adjusted to one of the presented heading words.

Hypotheses – Quantitative research includes the following:

· Rationale for the hypotheses is provided.

· Both null and alternative hypotheses are provided.

· Hypotheses are testable with each variable operationalized.

· Phrasing of hypotheses reflects nature of analysis (i.e., comparison, relationship, or association).

Propositions – Qualitative research includes the following:

Propositions are statements that relate key concepts in a logical way. Researchers use propositions to assert a universal connection between the research concepts. Think of a proposition as a statement of fact deduced by reasoning by indicating … what statements do you have that are a foundation of this research? Who and what started your research problem? Who has attempted to address the problem? What has led to the current state of the problem you are researching?

Theoretical Perspectives/Conceptual Framework

Your framework is the theoretical perspective or conceptual boundary of your study. Your problem is somewhere within the framework (theoretical perspective = quantitative; conceptual framework = qualitative; but not both).

This section is a summary of what was first written in the Conceptual Framework section of Chapter 2. Information is not presented unless found in Chapter 2.

No figure is presented in this section.

Each of the following are demonstrated within the Theoretical Perspectives or Conceptual Framework:

· Presents an overview of the broad conceptual and/or theoretical framework of the study.

· Describes how the research problem/questions are “bounded” by the framework.

· Indicates the theory under which the research falls.

· Establishes how proposed research “fits” with other research in the field.

· Discusses issues, perspectives, and, if appropriate, controversies in the field.

· Demonstrates familiarity with historical and current literature related to the discussion in this section.

Assumptions/Biases

Two paragraphs are presented in this section … one for Assumptions and one for Biases.

Include personal experience in either paragraph including assumptions or biases you have developed based on your experience.

For paragraph 1, begins with a definition of study assumptions with citation. Then, address your assumptions specific to your study. Discuss how basic assumptions underlie the research topic (i.e., facts are assumed to be true, but not verified). Discuss assumptions for the research topic as well as the methodology. Clearly indicate where an assumption stops and another begins within the writing.

For paragraph 2, begins with a definition of study biases with citation. Provide a clear statement recognizing the possibility of biases. Then, address your biases specific to the study. Discuss possible personal biases or preconceived ideas and values. Specify how biases will be managed within the framework of the study. Clearly indicate where a bias stops and another begins within the writing.

Significance of the Study

Indicates who the stakeholders are for the study. Indicates how the study will benefit these stakeholders.

Each of the following areas are addressed:

· Indicates a global reason for the study and its uniqueness.

· Indicates the anticipated value or impact to the problem domain (i.e., what is specific to business administration, computer science, or management).

· Indicates who will benefit from the study’s results (i.e., the academic field, society, a profession, the community, and/or a particular population).

Delimitations

Indicates the boundaries of the study set by the researcher.

Begins with a definition of study delimitations with citation. Then, addresses the delimitations specific to your study. Indicates the variables you are controlling (or limiting).

Clearly indicates where a delimitation stops and another begins within the writing.

Limitations

Begins with a definition of study limitations with citation and …

· Discusses limitations are the research aspects the researcher cannot control (i.e., the potential weaknesses).

· Discusses the variables the researcher cannot control or limit.

· Indicates any limitations because of instrument validity/reliability issues.

Clearly indicates where a delimitation stops and another begins within the writing.

Definition of Terms

Presents definitions representing key operational terms or words that are unique and/or critical to reader understanding (i.e., defined in an unusual manner or have more than one definition)

Definitions are supported with citations while minimizing quotations.

The dictionary is not used to cite the definition of terms.

The following formats are used:

Term: The term is . . . (reference, year).

Phrase of words: The phrase of words is . . . (reference, year).

No more than 10 definitions will be used.

General Overview of the Research Design

This section aligns with the Summary of Chapter Three section.

Provides an overview of the study methodology and design.

Provides an overview of the study data collection plan.

Provides an overview of the study data analysis plan.

Summary of Chapter One

Summarizes key points presented in Chapter 1 (with supporting citations).

Introduces Chapter 2 and presents its importance to the study.

Transitions the reader to Chapter 2.

Organization of Dissertation (or Proposal)

The heading is adjusted to one of the presented heading words (i.e., Proposal for the Proposal submittal and Dissertation for the final Manuscript).

Presents a brief discussion of how the Proposal (i.e., Chapters 1, 2, and 3) / Dissertation (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) is organized.

Chapter Two

Chapter 2 is a presented review of the literature within the study specified framework.

Chapter 2 is specific to the research topic and proposed study.

The researcher accomplishes three things during the process of developing Chapter 2: (a) the researcher develops subject matter expertise in the topics related to his/her research topic, (b) the researcher identifies and substantiates a gap in the body of knowledge (the research topic) that will be addressed by the study, and (c) the researcher develops a conceptual framework which informs the research design.

The researcher presents and discusses key literature related to his/her topic and makes the connection between these and his/her research topic.

The review of the literature in Chapter 2 demonstrates the researcher’s mastery of the literature in his/her area of study.

A synthesis of the literature is continually presented to preclude a Chapter 2 that is written as another textbook. The synthesis is an organization of information that reflects the researcher’s critical thinking, which supports the direction the specific research will take. This synthesis may be presented in a variety of ways, but often is topological or chronological, or both. Discussion has depth and presents a critical thinking perspective that compares and contrasts the literature being analyzed.

Chapter 2 uses summaries at the end of sections/subsections to ensure the reader understands the key aspects of the discussion just presented.

Chapter 2 presents a story of the emergence or evolution of the problem being studied.

Chapter 2 presents a clear existence of a problem/gap in the literature needing a research solution.

The synthesis in Chapter 2 provides the foundation for the Conceptual Framework section, which is a narrative and visual picture of how the literature examination and subsequent critical thinking combine to form a “whole” and represents the researcher’s intellectual approach to the study. As a result, it is clear to both the researcher and readers how the topics discussed are seen in relationship to each other from the unique perspective of the researcher, and supported by the literature.

All paragraphs in Chapter 2 will cite at least two different references (exceptions may occasionally exist) using evidence-based writing.

No figures or tables are presented in Chapter 2 unless the figures or tables are the creation of the researcher. No “paraphrasing” of a figure or table is allowed per copyright law. If a figure or table is desired for use or modification in Chapter 2, permission from the figure/table Publisher is obtained before the figure/table is inserted into Chapter 2.

Chapter 2 will have a minimum of 20 pages of writing (not counting figures or tables included in Chapter 2).

Chapter 2 will not exceed 40 pages of writing (not counting figures or tables included in Chapter 2).

Chapter 2 will have a minimum of 100 references from credible sources (e.g., peer-reviewed literature, journals, exemplary dissertations, industry publications, and government publications). All references in the References section must be cited at least once in the narrative. All citations will have a reference in the References section.

Chapter 2 will have exemplary grammar, few grammar errors, and minimal syntax errors. Exemplary paragraph structure includes a topic sentence, focusing on one topic, transitioning to the next paragraph.

Chapter 2 is compliant with APA guidelines and the CTU Dissertation Template.

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